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Article CONSECRATION OF THE MORIAH CHAPTER, No. 34. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE MORIAH CHAPTER, No. 34. Page 1 of 1
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Consecration Of The Moriah Chapter, No. 34.
CONSECRATION OF THE MORIAH CHAPTER , No . 34 .
The Mount Monah Lodge , No . 34 , which has been established since 1754 , but which has not hitherto had a chapter attached to it , had this want supplied on Tuesday , the 17 th inst ., by the consecration of the Moriah Chapter , No . 34 . The impressive ceremony was performed by Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . E ., as M . E . Z ., assisted by Comps . Chas . Belton , G . Std . Br ., as H . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . A . G . S ., as J . ; Frank Richardson , G . D . C , as D . C . ; and C . F . Matier , P . G . D . C , as S . N .
The founders of the chapter , all of whom were present , are Comps . Alfred Rixon , M . E . Z . designate ; W . G . Gribbon , H . designate ; T . B . White , J . designate ; S . J . Attenborough , J . A . P . Ingoldby , A . C . Thorpe , W . H . Glazier , A . Dutton , and J . Chambers . The visitors present included Comps . Richard Eve , P . G . Treas . ; A . A .
Pendlebury , A . G . S . E . ; W . G . Lemon , H . D . Williams , W . Groves , Jno . Coltart , Dr . H . W . Kiallmark , W . O . Lyon , T . R . Hales , J . W . Perkins , A . F . Taylor , J . Tyler , Hy . Sadler , G . Janitor ; T . Stamper , J . H . Date , C J . Singleton , J . W . H . Thompson , C F . Cameron , F . Flood , W . M . Cann , J . G . Albert , G . E . Recknell , J . H . Matthews , C . Hunt , F . Bevan , F . H . Cozens , H . Schartau , Turle Lee and W . W . Lee .
The Principals having entered the chapter room in procession , the chapte was duly opened , and the companions admitted . The CONSECRATING PRINCIPAL , addressing the companions , said they had assembled that day on an occasion of great interest to all Royal Arch Masons . They had met for the purpose of constituting and establishing another Royal Arch chapter on the roll of the ( Grand Chapter of England . The lodge to which the
chapter was about to be attached was one of the oldest on their roll , going back as far as 1754 , and it appeared strange that during those years that lodge had never hitherto thought of having a chapter . That , however , did not concern them that day , for better late than never , and they congratulated the Iodge that they had seen fit to have a chapter , and thus render the circle of their Masonic duties complete . The chapter had a wish to adopt the name of the mother lodge , but that name was already appropriated by one which had been in existence for something
like 100 years , and the founders did the next best thing , and called it Moriah Chapter . He always thought that the names of lodges and chapters should be as closely as possible the same , as it marked a link existing between two bodies . They vvere present that day to give effect to the charter , and he felt sure that under the auspices under which the chapter was started , and under the ' guidance of such worthy companions as the Three Principals designate , it would ere long assume a distinguished position amongst the chapters of the Order . He vvould commence the ceremony of the day by asking the Director of Ceremonies to make the usual announcement .
The founders of the new chapter signified their approval of the officers nominated in the charter to preside over them , after which the following oration was delivered by Comp . Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG , acting J . :-We read of the Temple built by our Grand Master , King Solomon , upon the Mount from which your chapter ' takes its name ; how "the house , vvhen it vvas in building , was built of stone made ready before it vvas brought thither , so that there vvas neither hammer
, nor axe , nor any tool of iron heard m the house while it was in building . " How solemn the silence must have been . A silence not of idleness or death , but of constant activity and most earnest work . There vvas nothing dull or common-place about it ; each Craftsman deeply impressed with the importance of his labours , but every needless clamour hushed by the holy solemnity of the place and its surroundings . All was joy and happiness—all vvas done well and quietly . There is nothing depressing about the silence . And so the
work grew day by day . Wisdom , strength , and beauty was the outcome of that earnest , devoted , silent work . But vve meet to-day , not as operative , but as speculative Masons . Let us appl y these solemn thoughts to our morals . What is that work in our lives which is wisest , strongest and most beautiful ? Is it not ever the work which is done most quietly , with least parade , and least ostentation ? In religion , who is the man we honour most ? It is the man who is loudest in his professions
, who interleaves every sentence with a text , and on every occasion dras ; s forward the most sacred truths , or it is the man whose every action is a . silent act of worship , which witnesses that he is seeking God ' s greater honour and glory . In politics—who is the Statesman to whom with most confidence vve confide the honour of our country—the noisy orator who is ever vaunting his own patriotism and impugning that of others , or the man who , with fewest words , indicates his line of action and sticks to it ? In business—with whom can
vve deal the better—the man who wastes his own and our time in noisily puffing himself and his wares , or the man who relies only on the fact that for a fair price he supplies a fair value ? In private life—who is the friend we trust and value most—the one who , with sentimental gush and words which cost nothing , is ever assuring us of his devotion , or the one who makes no professions , but upon whom we know vve can depend for advice , sympathy , and help when vve need it . 1 know , my companions , what I have urged is quite out of harmony with the spirit and habit of the age . . These are days vvhen few men hide their light under bushel suffer from want of
a or advertising . But with a few bright and glorious exceptions , I question whether the work of the day , whether moral , social , intellectual , or material , is not injured b y a lack of quietness and humilit y . Compare the temple on Mount Moriah with a building of to-day built at the expense of the public . So , companions , learn the lesson that good work is done quietl y . I will conclude with the words of _ one who practised what he advised , a man of high refinement and devoted life , who said— "The best part of a man ' s treasure of merits are the things he has left unsaid . " Have vve many ?
The ceremony vvas proceeded with , and the chapter dul y dedicated and constituted in solemn form . The installation ceremonies were next performed , and the Principals designate duly placed in their respective chairs b y the Grand Scribe E ., as follows : Comps Alfred Rixon , M . E . Z . ; Walter Gait Gribbon , H . ; and Thomas Blanes White J
The other officers for the ensuing year , who were unanimously elected , were invested b y the M . E . Z ., viz .: Comps . Stanley James Attenborough Scribe E ¦ J . A . P . Ingoldby , Scribe N . ; A . C . Thorpe , P . S . ; W . H . Glazier , ist A . SArthur Dutton , 2 nd A . S . ; James Chambers , Stwd . ; and John Gilbert , Janitor . On the proposition of Comp . GRIBBON , H ., seconded b y Comp . WHITE , J ., the Consecrating Officers vvere unanimousl y elected honorary " * members . A compliment for which Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S . E ., returned thanks on behalf of himself and colleagues .
Votes of thanks vvere heartily accorded to Grand Lod ge for the use of the consecrating vessels , and to the St . James ' s Union Chapter for the use of the furniture . I
Propositions were received , and the chapter was duly closed . A sumptuous banquet was subsequentl y enjoyed by the companions in the ' Crown Room of Freemasons' Tavern , and the usual toasts followed . " The Queen and Royal Arch Masonry " and " The M . E Grand Z . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " were heartil y honoured . '
The Grand Officers " vvas next given by the M . E . Z ., who said that owing to that being the consecration ni ght they were favoured with the presence of eight Grand Officers . The founders begged to thank the G . S . E ., Comp . Richardson and the others for their services that day . With reference to Comp . Belton , he wished to say a word or two . It appeared but a short time ago—he thought it was in 18 77 or 18 7 8—that he initiated Comp . Belton into Freemasonry in the Mount Monah Lodge , and he vvas therefore pleased to see him present that evening .
Comp . FRANK RICHARDSON , G . D . C , returned thanks for the kind manner in which the M . E . Z . had proposed the toast , and assured the companions that the Grand Officers , one and all , felt it a great honour to have their names coupled with the Earl of Carnarvon , the Earl of Lathom , and Lord Lei gh . They thoroughly
Consecration Of The Moriah Chapter, No. 34.
appreciated the honour conferred upon them in promoting them to the purple , and they were at all times ready and willing to do their duty as on the present occasion . If the small services rendered that night had given satisfaction , they were more than gratified . The M . E . Z . said the next . toast he rose to put before them was that of " The Consecrating Principal , Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . E ., and his Assistants , " which was the toast of the evening . They had to thank Comp . Col .
Clerke for his assistance , and for his kindness in having performed the beautiful ceremony . Comp . Col . Gierke ' s name was a household word in Freemasonry all over the whole of the inhabited globe , and his time was given up to such an extent that they were grateful for his presence that evening . Comp . Col . Clerke having succeeded the late Comp . John Hervey , could tell them the number of lodges added—he thought it was about 600 or 700—and that being the case there was small wonder that his time , together with the other Grand Officers , was so yfull occupied .
Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S . E ., said he rose at once to thank them in his own name and also that of his colleagues for the very kind and fraternal manner in which they had received their small services . He could only say itwas a great pleasure to come there and take part in the ceremonies . It was one that he was frequently engaged in with many of his coadjutors , especially Comp . Richardson . They felt they vvere doing important work , for they were laying the foundation-stone of an edifice which he hoped ^ would be perfect in its parts and
honourable to the builders . A chapter which came from such a lodge as the Mount Moriah could not fail to have good old traditions attached to it , and must feel it had certain responsibilities vvhen it carried down even a part of the name of their mother Iodge . He was sorry to say they had not succeeded in getting the whole name , for that vvas carried off over 100 years ago . It was a great pleasure for any one to take part on those occasions , and they always hoped that when they came again to see what was going on they should find their expectations fully justified and the work going on well .
The G . S . E . then said he had much pleasure in proposing a toast which he was sure they would all receive with enthusiasm . It was the health of the distinguished companions he had installed to rule over the chapter for the ensuing year . The founders of the chapter had followed the lines of the lodge very closely , for he found that not only were the Principals Past Masters ot the Mount Moriah Lodge , but that two or three of the other officers also belonged to that lodge . In the
case of the First Principal , the connection was very interesting and curious , because it appeared that Comp . Rixon was connected with the Mount Moriah Lodge through three generations . It was , therefore , only natural to suppose that , as the First Principal had entered in this new sphere of Masonic usefulness , Vie would maintain the traditions of the lodge . The Second and Third Principals were also well known as having held positions in other chapters and lodges . For many
years the members ot the lodge had had to go abroad for their knowledge of this Degree , but their united pilgrimage was nearly over , and they vvould be ow able to keep from going abroad . The founders were fortunate in selecting such excellent officers to rule over the chapter , because much depended on the position taken up by a chapter at its formation . If it takes a good name , it keeps it , but if it
starts badly , it was then a stern chase . They were sure Comp . Rixon would keep up the hereditary traditions of the Mount Moriah Lodge , and that the duties would be carried out in a way leaving nothing to be desired . He asked the companions to drink to "The Health of the Three Principals , " wishing them a happy , successful , and prosperous year of office .
Comp . A . RIXON , M . E . Z ., having returned thanks , said he felt it a great honour to preside over . that , . chapter . as its . First Principal . , , Having . been elected to that position , a word was due from him as to the working in the future . He should endeavour to work it on the lines of the mother lodge , and should like all the
officers to attend punctually , for if there was a sufficient number present he should open the chapter to the minute . Short speeches were most appreciated , and during the time he vvas in the chair he should try to keep them within due limit .. They had started with a good augury for the future , and he again thanked the Grand Officers for their presence .
Comps . W . G . GRIBBON , H ., and T . BLANES WHITE , j ., also briefl y responded . " The Visitors " vvas given by the SECOND PRINCIPAL , who said there were nine members to drink the health of 40 visiting companions , and he would / therefore , ask them to charge their glasses and do their best . They were glad to see the
visitors , and thanked them for assisting at the consecration of the chapter . He hoped they had enjoyed the treat of seeing the Grand Officers consecrate a chapter , ' which had been done in a manner that vvould be an epoch in their lives . There were four honorary members added to the nine members who would join in wishing that the visitors would come from time to time and see that the work was done
in a proper manner . Comp . RICHARD EVE , P . G . Treas ., in response , said he felt he was called to an honourable position in being asked to reply on behalf of 40 visitors . He need not say that they had that day seen one of the best Consecrating Officers in the Kingdom perform the ceremony . It had been a splendid meeting , and he trusted the chapter would have a splendid future , and knowing many of the members
individually , and knowing their vitality , ability , fenergy , pluck , and courage , he was sure it vvould be a success . It was late in life , as the G . S . E . had said , for the Mount Moriah Lodge to have a chapter , but it might be that the feelings of the brethren of that lodge in the past were not with Royal Arch Masonry . He knew those who had founded the chapter were equal to the occasion , and would
make it a credit to Royal Arch Masonry . He admired Arch Masonry , for it carried them back to the Institutions of the past .- They worshipped the same God , and while they were under His sway and followed His admonition they vvere bound to be right . Royal Arch Masonry was the cope-stone of their Masonic knowledge , and if they followed it and bowed with reverence to the G . A . O . T . U . they would be right good true and earnest Masons .
Comp . W . G . LEMON also responded . The H . had spoken of 40 visitors , but they vvere only 37 , and they had been taught to reverence that number because it was one of the prime numbers and incapable of division . They , as the prime number of visitors , acknowledged the courtesy shown them in asking them to be present . They hoped to see the chapter prosper , and also that they would be
afforded an opportunity of seeing its coming of age . If there was one truth which vvas the basis of Royal Arch Masonry it was that of companionship . He would not attempt to discuss the etymology of the word companion , the ancient meaning of which vvas one who breaks bread with another , or one of the same family or fraternity . The visitors felt the members had given them something more than bread , and something they valued more—a hearty welcome .
Ihe last toast given by the M . E . Z . vvas "The Officers . " He said that the Scribe E ., Comp . Attenborough , who would also act as Treasurer , had been the main mover in the whole of the organisation of that chapter , and he could not speak in terms too eulogistic of what that companion had done , for everything he had attempted had been brought through satisfactorily . The S . N . was well known in Masonry , and the P . S . was the Worshipful Master of the Mount Moriah Lodge .
Comp . ATTENBOROUGH , S . E ., returned hearty thanks . Whatever he had done had been well rewarded by the proceedings that night , and whatever he did in the future would be done for the love of Royal Arch Masonry and the chapter . The S . N . having also replied , Comp . GILBERT gave the Janitor ' s toast . The musical portions of the consecration ceremony , and an excellent programme of music in the banqueting room were well carried out under the direction of Comp . Turle Lee , assisted by-Comps . H . Schartau , F . Cozens , and Fredk . Bevan .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Moriah Chapter, No. 34.
CONSECRATION OF THE MORIAH CHAPTER , No . 34 .
The Mount Monah Lodge , No . 34 , which has been established since 1754 , but which has not hitherto had a chapter attached to it , had this want supplied on Tuesday , the 17 th inst ., by the consecration of the Moriah Chapter , No . 34 . The impressive ceremony was performed by Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . E ., as M . E . Z ., assisted by Comps . Chas . Belton , G . Std . Br ., as H . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . A . G . S ., as J . ; Frank Richardson , G . D . C , as D . C . ; and C . F . Matier , P . G . D . C , as S . N .
The founders of the chapter , all of whom were present , are Comps . Alfred Rixon , M . E . Z . designate ; W . G . Gribbon , H . designate ; T . B . White , J . designate ; S . J . Attenborough , J . A . P . Ingoldby , A . C . Thorpe , W . H . Glazier , A . Dutton , and J . Chambers . The visitors present included Comps . Richard Eve , P . G . Treas . ; A . A .
Pendlebury , A . G . S . E . ; W . G . Lemon , H . D . Williams , W . Groves , Jno . Coltart , Dr . H . W . Kiallmark , W . O . Lyon , T . R . Hales , J . W . Perkins , A . F . Taylor , J . Tyler , Hy . Sadler , G . Janitor ; T . Stamper , J . H . Date , C J . Singleton , J . W . H . Thompson , C F . Cameron , F . Flood , W . M . Cann , J . G . Albert , G . E . Recknell , J . H . Matthews , C . Hunt , F . Bevan , F . H . Cozens , H . Schartau , Turle Lee and W . W . Lee .
The Principals having entered the chapter room in procession , the chapte was duly opened , and the companions admitted . The CONSECRATING PRINCIPAL , addressing the companions , said they had assembled that day on an occasion of great interest to all Royal Arch Masons . They had met for the purpose of constituting and establishing another Royal Arch chapter on the roll of the ( Grand Chapter of England . The lodge to which the
chapter was about to be attached was one of the oldest on their roll , going back as far as 1754 , and it appeared strange that during those years that lodge had never hitherto thought of having a chapter . That , however , did not concern them that day , for better late than never , and they congratulated the Iodge that they had seen fit to have a chapter , and thus render the circle of their Masonic duties complete . The chapter had a wish to adopt the name of the mother lodge , but that name was already appropriated by one which had been in existence for something
like 100 years , and the founders did the next best thing , and called it Moriah Chapter . He always thought that the names of lodges and chapters should be as closely as possible the same , as it marked a link existing between two bodies . They vvere present that day to give effect to the charter , and he felt sure that under the auspices under which the chapter was started , and under the ' guidance of such worthy companions as the Three Principals designate , it would ere long assume a distinguished position amongst the chapters of the Order . He vvould commence the ceremony of the day by asking the Director of Ceremonies to make the usual announcement .
The founders of the new chapter signified their approval of the officers nominated in the charter to preside over them , after which the following oration was delivered by Comp . Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG , acting J . :-We read of the Temple built by our Grand Master , King Solomon , upon the Mount from which your chapter ' takes its name ; how "the house , vvhen it vvas in building , was built of stone made ready before it vvas brought thither , so that there vvas neither hammer
, nor axe , nor any tool of iron heard m the house while it was in building . " How solemn the silence must have been . A silence not of idleness or death , but of constant activity and most earnest work . There vvas nothing dull or common-place about it ; each Craftsman deeply impressed with the importance of his labours , but every needless clamour hushed by the holy solemnity of the place and its surroundings . All was joy and happiness—all vvas done well and quietly . There is nothing depressing about the silence . And so the
work grew day by day . Wisdom , strength , and beauty was the outcome of that earnest , devoted , silent work . But vve meet to-day , not as operative , but as speculative Masons . Let us appl y these solemn thoughts to our morals . What is that work in our lives which is wisest , strongest and most beautiful ? Is it not ever the work which is done most quietly , with least parade , and least ostentation ? In religion , who is the man we honour most ? It is the man who is loudest in his professions
, who interleaves every sentence with a text , and on every occasion dras ; s forward the most sacred truths , or it is the man whose every action is a . silent act of worship , which witnesses that he is seeking God ' s greater honour and glory . In politics—who is the Statesman to whom with most confidence vve confide the honour of our country—the noisy orator who is ever vaunting his own patriotism and impugning that of others , or the man who , with fewest words , indicates his line of action and sticks to it ? In business—with whom can
vve deal the better—the man who wastes his own and our time in noisily puffing himself and his wares , or the man who relies only on the fact that for a fair price he supplies a fair value ? In private life—who is the friend we trust and value most—the one who , with sentimental gush and words which cost nothing , is ever assuring us of his devotion , or the one who makes no professions , but upon whom we know vve can depend for advice , sympathy , and help when vve need it . 1 know , my companions , what I have urged is quite out of harmony with the spirit and habit of the age . . These are days vvhen few men hide their light under bushel suffer from want of
a or advertising . But with a few bright and glorious exceptions , I question whether the work of the day , whether moral , social , intellectual , or material , is not injured b y a lack of quietness and humilit y . Compare the temple on Mount Moriah with a building of to-day built at the expense of the public . So , companions , learn the lesson that good work is done quietl y . I will conclude with the words of _ one who practised what he advised , a man of high refinement and devoted life , who said— "The best part of a man ' s treasure of merits are the things he has left unsaid . " Have vve many ?
The ceremony vvas proceeded with , and the chapter dul y dedicated and constituted in solemn form . The installation ceremonies were next performed , and the Principals designate duly placed in their respective chairs b y the Grand Scribe E ., as follows : Comps Alfred Rixon , M . E . Z . ; Walter Gait Gribbon , H . ; and Thomas Blanes White J
The other officers for the ensuing year , who were unanimously elected , were invested b y the M . E . Z ., viz .: Comps . Stanley James Attenborough Scribe E ¦ J . A . P . Ingoldby , Scribe N . ; A . C . Thorpe , P . S . ; W . H . Glazier , ist A . SArthur Dutton , 2 nd A . S . ; James Chambers , Stwd . ; and John Gilbert , Janitor . On the proposition of Comp . GRIBBON , H ., seconded b y Comp . WHITE , J ., the Consecrating Officers vvere unanimousl y elected honorary " * members . A compliment for which Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S . E ., returned thanks on behalf of himself and colleagues .
Votes of thanks vvere heartily accorded to Grand Lod ge for the use of the consecrating vessels , and to the St . James ' s Union Chapter for the use of the furniture . I
Propositions were received , and the chapter was duly closed . A sumptuous banquet was subsequentl y enjoyed by the companions in the ' Crown Room of Freemasons' Tavern , and the usual toasts followed . " The Queen and Royal Arch Masonry " and " The M . E Grand Z . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " were heartil y honoured . '
The Grand Officers " vvas next given by the M . E . Z ., who said that owing to that being the consecration ni ght they were favoured with the presence of eight Grand Officers . The founders begged to thank the G . S . E ., Comp . Richardson and the others for their services that day . With reference to Comp . Belton , he wished to say a word or two . It appeared but a short time ago—he thought it was in 18 77 or 18 7 8—that he initiated Comp . Belton into Freemasonry in the Mount Monah Lodge , and he vvas therefore pleased to see him present that evening .
Comp . FRANK RICHARDSON , G . D . C , returned thanks for the kind manner in which the M . E . Z . had proposed the toast , and assured the companions that the Grand Officers , one and all , felt it a great honour to have their names coupled with the Earl of Carnarvon , the Earl of Lathom , and Lord Lei gh . They thoroughly
Consecration Of The Moriah Chapter, No. 34.
appreciated the honour conferred upon them in promoting them to the purple , and they were at all times ready and willing to do their duty as on the present occasion . If the small services rendered that night had given satisfaction , they were more than gratified . The M . E . Z . said the next . toast he rose to put before them was that of " The Consecrating Principal , Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . S . E ., and his Assistants , " which was the toast of the evening . They had to thank Comp . Col .
Clerke for his assistance , and for his kindness in having performed the beautiful ceremony . Comp . Col . Gierke ' s name was a household word in Freemasonry all over the whole of the inhabited globe , and his time was given up to such an extent that they were grateful for his presence that evening . Comp . Col . Clerke having succeeded the late Comp . John Hervey , could tell them the number of lodges added—he thought it was about 600 or 700—and that being the case there was small wonder that his time , together with the other Grand Officers , was so yfull occupied .
Comp . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S . E ., said he rose at once to thank them in his own name and also that of his colleagues for the very kind and fraternal manner in which they had received their small services . He could only say itwas a great pleasure to come there and take part in the ceremonies . It was one that he was frequently engaged in with many of his coadjutors , especially Comp . Richardson . They felt they vvere doing important work , for they were laying the foundation-stone of an edifice which he hoped ^ would be perfect in its parts and
honourable to the builders . A chapter which came from such a lodge as the Mount Moriah could not fail to have good old traditions attached to it , and must feel it had certain responsibilities vvhen it carried down even a part of the name of their mother Iodge . He was sorry to say they had not succeeded in getting the whole name , for that vvas carried off over 100 years ago . It was a great pleasure for any one to take part on those occasions , and they always hoped that when they came again to see what was going on they should find their expectations fully justified and the work going on well .
The G . S . E . then said he had much pleasure in proposing a toast which he was sure they would all receive with enthusiasm . It was the health of the distinguished companions he had installed to rule over the chapter for the ensuing year . The founders of the chapter had followed the lines of the lodge very closely , for he found that not only were the Principals Past Masters ot the Mount Moriah Lodge , but that two or three of the other officers also belonged to that lodge . In the
case of the First Principal , the connection was very interesting and curious , because it appeared that Comp . Rixon was connected with the Mount Moriah Lodge through three generations . It was , therefore , only natural to suppose that , as the First Principal had entered in this new sphere of Masonic usefulness , Vie would maintain the traditions of the lodge . The Second and Third Principals were also well known as having held positions in other chapters and lodges . For many
years the members ot the lodge had had to go abroad for their knowledge of this Degree , but their united pilgrimage was nearly over , and they vvould be ow able to keep from going abroad . The founders were fortunate in selecting such excellent officers to rule over the chapter , because much depended on the position taken up by a chapter at its formation . If it takes a good name , it keeps it , but if it
starts badly , it was then a stern chase . They were sure Comp . Rixon would keep up the hereditary traditions of the Mount Moriah Lodge , and that the duties would be carried out in a way leaving nothing to be desired . He asked the companions to drink to "The Health of the Three Principals , " wishing them a happy , successful , and prosperous year of office .
Comp . A . RIXON , M . E . Z ., having returned thanks , said he felt it a great honour to preside over . that , . chapter . as its . First Principal . , , Having . been elected to that position , a word was due from him as to the working in the future . He should endeavour to work it on the lines of the mother lodge , and should like all the
officers to attend punctually , for if there was a sufficient number present he should open the chapter to the minute . Short speeches were most appreciated , and during the time he vvas in the chair he should try to keep them within due limit .. They had started with a good augury for the future , and he again thanked the Grand Officers for their presence .
Comps . W . G . GRIBBON , H ., and T . BLANES WHITE , j ., also briefl y responded . " The Visitors " vvas given by the SECOND PRINCIPAL , who said there were nine members to drink the health of 40 visiting companions , and he would / therefore , ask them to charge their glasses and do their best . They were glad to see the
visitors , and thanked them for assisting at the consecration of the chapter . He hoped they had enjoyed the treat of seeing the Grand Officers consecrate a chapter , ' which had been done in a manner that vvould be an epoch in their lives . There were four honorary members added to the nine members who would join in wishing that the visitors would come from time to time and see that the work was done
in a proper manner . Comp . RICHARD EVE , P . G . Treas ., in response , said he felt he was called to an honourable position in being asked to reply on behalf of 40 visitors . He need not say that they had that day seen one of the best Consecrating Officers in the Kingdom perform the ceremony . It had been a splendid meeting , and he trusted the chapter would have a splendid future , and knowing many of the members
individually , and knowing their vitality , ability , fenergy , pluck , and courage , he was sure it vvould be a success . It was late in life , as the G . S . E . had said , for the Mount Moriah Lodge to have a chapter , but it might be that the feelings of the brethren of that lodge in the past were not with Royal Arch Masonry . He knew those who had founded the chapter were equal to the occasion , and would
make it a credit to Royal Arch Masonry . He admired Arch Masonry , for it carried them back to the Institutions of the past .- They worshipped the same God , and while they were under His sway and followed His admonition they vvere bound to be right . Royal Arch Masonry was the cope-stone of their Masonic knowledge , and if they followed it and bowed with reverence to the G . A . O . T . U . they would be right good true and earnest Masons .
Comp . W . G . LEMON also responded . The H . had spoken of 40 visitors , but they vvere only 37 , and they had been taught to reverence that number because it was one of the prime numbers and incapable of division . They , as the prime number of visitors , acknowledged the courtesy shown them in asking them to be present . They hoped to see the chapter prosper , and also that they would be
afforded an opportunity of seeing its coming of age . If there was one truth which vvas the basis of Royal Arch Masonry it was that of companionship . He would not attempt to discuss the etymology of the word companion , the ancient meaning of which vvas one who breaks bread with another , or one of the same family or fraternity . The visitors felt the members had given them something more than bread , and something they valued more—a hearty welcome .
Ihe last toast given by the M . E . Z . vvas "The Officers . " He said that the Scribe E ., Comp . Attenborough , who would also act as Treasurer , had been the main mover in the whole of the organisation of that chapter , and he could not speak in terms too eulogistic of what that companion had done , for everything he had attempted had been brought through satisfactorily . The S . N . was well known in Masonry , and the P . S . was the Worshipful Master of the Mount Moriah Lodge .
Comp . ATTENBOROUGH , S . E ., returned hearty thanks . Whatever he had done had been well rewarded by the proceedings that night , and whatever he did in the future would be done for the love of Royal Arch Masonry and the chapter . The S . N . having also replied , Comp . GILBERT gave the Janitor ' s toast . The musical portions of the consecration ceremony , and an excellent programme of music in the banqueting room were well carried out under the direction of Comp . Turle Lee , assisted by-Comps . H . Schartau , F . Cozens , and Fredk . Bevan .